Gabon battles for baby sea turtles' survival
Gabon battles for baby sea turtles' survivalGabon's 900km of coastline is home to four species of sea turtles. Conservationists from NGOs and the national parks agency patrol Gabon's beaches daily during the nesting season to protect the turtles' nests. Four species of turtles -- green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback -- come to nest along Gabon's 900km of coastline from October to April. By watching over the eggs, the rangers in Pongara help ensure "the survival of this species", Edouard Moussavou, Pongara park's deputy director, said. - Unpaid wages -Since 2013, Gabon's conservation efforts had received funding from the United States, notably through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency responsible for biodiversity.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 08:46 UTC
Nepali rapper to be sworn in as new prime minister
Nepali rapper to be sworn in as new prime ministerThe sharply dressed 35-year-old reformist Balendra Shah swept polls this month on a platform of youth-driven political change. (Photo: AFP)KATHMANDU - Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah will be sworn in as the new prime minister on Friday, after issuing his victory message in a rap song, urging unity. He campaigned alongside RSP president, combative television host Rabi Lamichhane, 51, a former deputy prime minister and interior minister, a fellow lawmaker who retains a pivotal role in power. Shah will take the oath of office as the Himalayan republic's new prime minister later on Friday. 'Bright future'Shortly after his rap song was released, the outgoing interim prime minister bid farewell to the nation in a televised broadcast.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 08:45 UTC
Thai factory output unexpectedly dips in February, could rise in March
Thai factory output unexpectedly dips in February, could rise in MarchAn Israeli artillery unit fires towards Lebanon amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, on Thursday. Geopolitical uncertainties have pushed up logistic and energy costs, and the impact will be felt more in the coming months, Mr Supakit said. The government is planning an oil tax cut, along with other support measures, to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices. Mr Supakit said the ministry will review its 2026 output index forecast in May. The central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rate last month to support Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, which grew 2.4% last year, lagging regional peers.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 06:51 UTC
Thai New Year to see surge in flights
Thai New Year to see surge in flightsAeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) has forecast a surge in air travel during the Songkran holiday, with more than 25,000 flights expected nationwide during April 10–19. Aerothai's acting president Surachai Nuprom announced yesterday that 25,620 flights are anticipated, averaging about 2,562 per day. To support the Ministry of Transport's policy aimed at reducing travel costs and facilitating air travel during the holiday, Aerothai's board has approved a measure to reduce air navigation service fees. The discount will apply to 191 special flights offering reduced ticket prices (discounted ceiling fares) between April 10–15. A 30% reduction in air navigation fees will be granted for domestic flights to encourage airlines to increase flight frequency, accommodate higher travel demand for people returning to their hometowns and stimulate tourism.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 06:25 UTC
Cyclone triggers outages at major Australian LNG plants
Cyclone triggers outages at major Australian LNG plantsSafety flares burn at Woodside's North West Shelf gas venture in Western Australia, which was impacted by a cyclone on Friday. SYDNEY - Some of the world's largest LNG plants were forced shut on Friday by a cyclone off western Australia, squeezing fuel supplies already stretched thin by war in the Middle East. Energy giant Chevron said it suffered outages at its Gorgon and Wheatstone gas plants, which collectively supply more than 5% of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG). Some 40% of Japan's LNG comes from Australia, according to the Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association. Tropical Cyclone Narelle was inching towards the coast of Western Australia on Friday afternoon, whipping up winds as strong as 200km per hour.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 06:12 UTC
3 Thais arrested for smuggling cheaper petrol from Malaysia
3 Thais arrested for smuggling cheaper petrol from MalaysiaThailand's pump prices are higher than those in Malaysia. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Three Thai nationals were detained at the Malaysian border on Friday morning as they were attempting to smuggle petrol into Narathiwat province. Initial investigations found the petrol was meant for sale in Thailand, the Malaysian media added. Cheaper pump prices at Malaysian petrol stations are fueling petrol smugglling at bordes in southern Thailand. Rantau Panjang, a town in Kelantan state borders Sungai Kolok district town in Narathiwat.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 06:03 UTC
Pheu Thai deputy leader Sudawan fails ministerial qualification checks
Pheu Thai deputy leader Sudawan fails ministerial qualification checksSudawan Wangsuphakitkosol. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol, tipped to take one of the party’s eight Cabinet seats in the Bhumjaithai-led coalition government, has failed to meet required qualifications. There were reports that Ms Sudawan, also a party-list MP, has failed the vetting process required for ministerial appointment following the submission of documents for background and qualifications checks of prospective cabinet members. Nikorn Somklang, a Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima and a close associate, is expected to be nominated as her replacement. Ms Sudawan, 43, made the switch from business to politics in 2023.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:57 UTC
Crude prices test GDP, inflation goals
Domestic diesel prices could surge to 60 baht per litre or more if energy prices are fully liberalised immediately, warns the EIC. Even if the conflict eventually ends, global oil prices are expected to remain elevated for an extended period. "If energy prices are fully liberalised immediately, domestic diesel prices could surge to as high as 60 baht per litre or more, with prices expected to peak next month," he said. GDP IMPACTNonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), said a sharp and prolonged rise in global crude oil prices would weigh on GDP this year. As for the impact on domestic inflation, oil prices affect inflation both directly and indirectly, while price control measures by the Commerce Ministry help contain inflation.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:52 UTC
Vietnam suspends some fuel taxes to stabilise domestic market
Vietnam suspends some fuel taxes to stabilise domestic marketPeople queue to buy petrol at a petrol station on March 10, 2026, after Vietnam's Trade Ministry called on local businesses to encourage their employees to work from home to save fuel amid disruptions in supply and price surges. (Photo: Reuters)HANOI - Vietnam's Finance Ministry said on Friday it has suspended environmental protection and special consumption taxes on fuels to stabilise the domestic market. The removal of the taxes on gasoline, diesel and jet fuel will be effective until April 15, the ministry said in a statement. The suspension of the taxes will reduce revenue for state coffers by 7.2 trillion dong ($270 million) a month, the ministry said. Fuel prices in Vietnam have surged since the United States-Israel war on Iran began at the end of February, with gasoline prices up 21% and diesel prices rising 84%, according to data from top fuel trader Petrolimex.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:50 UTC
Traffic crackdown to start as warning phase finishes
Traffic crackdown to start as warning phase finishesMarch 31 will be the final day of the "warning-before-fines" period for traffic offences, with full legal enforcement set to begin on April 1, the government said. The stepped-up measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen road safety and reduce fatalities during periods of heavy travel. Deputy government spokeswoman Aiyarin Phanrit said on Thursday that the government continues to treat road safety as a top national priority, particularly during holiday seasons when accident risks rise sharply. From April 1, the RTP will shift to the second phase, with strict enforcement of 10 key traffic offences commonly linked to serious accidents. Statistics from the Road Safety Directing Center show that during the "Seven Dangerous Days" of the 2026 New Year holiday, there were 1,511 accidents, 1,464 injuries and 272 deaths nationwide.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:47 UTC
Businesses start to feel the pinch
In Chiang Mai, Thanit Chumsaeng, president of the provincial restaurant and entertainment association, said operators are beginning to feel the full impact of rising energy prices driven by ongoing global tensions. Businesses are turning to promotions, combo meals and delivery channels to maintain sales, Mr Thanit added. He added that smaller businesses, however, face greater challenges due to limited cash flow and the inability to stockpile goods ahead of price increases. Fares will rise from 11–21 baht to 13–23 baht, reflecting diesel prices that have surged to 38.94 baht per litre. Across sectors, operators are urging the government to control energy and utility costs, ensure adequate fuel supply and introduce financial support measures to help businesses weather the crisis.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:45 UTC
Officials hash out ways to curb clashes with macaques
Officials hash out ways to curb clashes with macaquesOfficials place the macaques under observation after administering anaesthesia in preparation for sterilisation. The animals were trapped in the Soi Thian Thale 22 community, and transported to the Khun Kala Monument in Bang Khunthian district, Bangkok in August 2022. The meeting was attended by Bang Khunthian district chief Phattharakorn Sinsuk and officials from the DNP, the BMA and relevant ministries and organisations. Following the discussion, officials conducted a site visit at the Khun Kala Monument. In addition, a temporary shelter covering about 400 square metres has been established near the Khun Kala Monument.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:33 UTC
Pride parade set for May 31
Pride parade set for May 31Performers from Rabiab Wathasilp, a renowed Mor Lam troupe, join a press conference about this year's Bangkok Pride Festival, which will run from May 28 to June 1. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)The Bangkok Pride Parade is scheduled for May 31 as Thailand bids to host World Pride 2030. One of the region's major Pride parades is set to take place on Silom Road under the theme "Patch the World with Pride", conveying a message of peace and inclusivity amid global conflict, Bangkok Pride organisers said at a press conference on Thursday on the upcoming Bangkok Pride Festival 2026. The parade and festival events this year will also showcase Thailand's readiness to host World Pride 2030, with Bangkok competing against Barcelona and London. Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, an activist and founder of Bangkok Pride, said this year's event marks a significant milestone for Thailand as the country prepares to present its bid for World Pride 2030 at the International Pride Conference in Phuket in October.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:33 UTC
Arctic sea ice at lowest level ever this winter
Arctic sea ice at lowest level ever this winterThis year's maximum Arctic sea ice level was reached on March 15 -- a week earlier than last year. WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Arctic sea ice reached its lowest level ever recorded, statistically tying last year's record, a leading US climate observatory for this geopolitically significant region said on Thursday. - Earlier and lower levels -This year's maximum ice level was reached on March 15 -- a week earlier than last year. It is the lowest level observed in 48 years of satellite monitoring. - Impacts on wildlife, geopolitics -Unlike land-based ice -- such as glaciers or ice sheets -- melting sea ice does not directly raise sea levels.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:26 UTC
US currency to bear Trump's signature, Treasury says
US currency to bear Trump's signature, Treasury saysUS paper currency will now bear President Donald Trump's signature. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - US paper currency will soon bear Donald Trump's signature, the Treasury Department announced on Thursday, in a move that would be a first for a sitting American president and coincide with the country's 250th anniversary. Historically, the signatures on dollar bills belong to those of the Treasurer of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury. "Under President Trump's leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability," Bessent said in a statement announcing the decision. The move would be the latest effort by Trump to circumvent longstanding practice and put his mark on American currency.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 27, 2026 05:26 UTC